CUSHTONIC *Organic herbal blend for horses - endocrine-ease, hormone-harmony, everyday-vitality
Cushing’s can make even the brightest horse seem older, duller, not quite themselves - and as owners we notice every small change.
CushTonic is a gentle, nutritional blend formulated to support horses navigating Cushing’s/PPID. It works with the body’s natural rhythms, offering calm endocrine support, steadier seasonal shifts, and restored vitality.
Whether your horse is managed naturally or alongside veterinary care, CushTonic provides a steady foundation for overall wellbeing.
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Two formulas - one mission
Because every horse’s Cushing’s journey is unique, we’ve created two CushTonic options to ensure safe, effective support whether your horse is on medication or not.
| Version | Best For | Key Difference |
|---|---|---|
CushTonic-1 |
Horses not on Prascend | Includes Mucuna pruriens – a natural source of L-Dopa to support dopamine levels. |
CushTonic-2 |
Horses on Prascend | Formulated without L-Dopa, for safe use alongside medication. |
Overview
Whether your horse is on Prascend or managed naturally, CushTonic supports hormonal balance, dopamine regulation, and metabolic health - helping them feel brighter, steadier, and more comfortable.
One of the many symptoms of Cushing's is reduced levels of dopamine, which impacts pituitary function leading to increased cortisol levels.
The recognised pharma drug, Prascend, is designed to improve dopamine levels, but it doesn't suit all horses, whereas Mucuna pruriens is a renowned natural dopamine stimulant; equally the amino acid Tyrosine is also known to support dopamine production.
Cushing’s disease, also known as PPID (Pituitary Pars Intermedia Dysfunction), occurs due to changes in the pituitary gland, which plays a vital role in the endocrine system. Often, this leads to an imbalance in hormone production, particularly adrenaline and cortisol, which can disrupt your horse’s overall health and comfort.
Our two Cushings' blends are carefully formulated to help manage these challenges naturally. With adaptogenic herbs and nutrient-dense ingredients, this blend supports the body’s ability to regulate hormone production, promote dopamine levels, and maintain a healthier metabolism.
If your horse is showing symptoms such as increased thirst, excessive coat growth, or changes in energy levels, our two Cushings' blends provide targeted nutritional support for their overall wellbeing.
For the latest Cushing's insights, see our main A-Z Equine Conditions/Cushings page in our Advice Centre above.
Is CushTonic Right for My Horse?
CushTonic is designed as gentle, nutritional support for horses navigating PPID/Cushing’s, helping maintain steadier endocrine balance, seasonal comfort, and everyday vitality.
It does not replace medication for PPID, and does not treat Cushings - instead, it supports the body’s natural regulatory rhythms, metabolic steadiness, and overall wellbeing.
Because PPID horses fall into two very different categories - medicated vs non-medicated- CushTonic comes in two distinct formulas:
- CushTonic-1 → For horses not on Prascend, includes Mucuna pruriens (natural L-Dopa).
- CushTonic-2 → For horses on Prascend, contains no dopaminergic herbs and is safe alongside medication.
CushTonic-1 is for horses who…
(Non-medicated PPID / early PPID / dopamine-supportive herbal management)
Use CushTonic-1 when your horse:
- Is not on Prascend or other dopamine agonists
- Shows early PPID signs such as coat delay, thirst, or energy dips
- Needs gentle pituitary–adrenal support through nutritional and herbal pathways
- Is managed naturally due to mild/early PPID presentation
- Has seasonal coat, energy, or vitality changes needing extra nutritional clarity
CushTonic-1 supports the natural dopamine rhythm that often begins to falter in early PPID.
CushTonic-2 is for horses who…
(Medicated PPID / on Prascend / need non-dopaminergic support)
Use CushTonic-2 when your horse:
- Is on Prascend (Pergolide)- this determines the correct CushTonic version.
- Shows residual PPID symptoms such as dull coat, low energy, thirst, or laminitic sensitivity
- Needs endocrine support without additional dopamine stimulation
- Requires a natural formula that does not interfere with dopamine agonists
CushTonic-2 is the correct, safe version for every medicated horse.
Which blend - CushTonic, MetaTonic, or both?
PPID and EMS often overlap, but the blends target different biological axes.
| IF YOUR HORSE… | BEST CHOICE |
|---|---|
| Has PPID / Cushing’s signs | CushTonic-1 or -2 |
| Is ON Prascend | CushTonic-2 |
| Is NOT on Prascend | CushTonic-1 |
| Shows coat delay or thirst changes | CushTonic |
| Has EMS/IR or fat pads | MetaTonic |
| Gets footy during sugar swings | MetaTonic |
| Has BOTH PPID + EMS (common in many older horses) | CushTonic + MetaTonic |
| Needs dopamine nutritional support | CushTonic-1 |
| Needs endocrine support without dopamine herbs | CushTonic-2 |
Why Two CushTonic Formulas?
PPID (Cushing’s) doesn’t look the same in every horse - and neither should the support.
One of the key changes in PPID is a decline in dopamine activity, which disrupts pituitary signalling and leads to hormonal imbalance. How that dopamine shortfall is managed matters greatly, especially when medication is involved.
That’s why CushTonic comes in two carefully designed formulas, each with the same mission - endocrine steadiness and everyday vitality - but with different safety requirements.
CushTonic-1 - for horses not on Prascend
CushTonic-1 includes Mucuna pruriens , a natural source of L-Dopa, to gently nourish dopamine pathways in horses managed naturally or in early PPID.
This version is suitable when:
- the horse is not receiving Prascend or other dopamine agonists
- PPID is mild, early, or being managed without medication
CushTonic-2 — for horses on Prascend
CushTonic-2 contains no dopaminergic herbs and is designed specifically for safe use alongside Prascend (Pergolide).
Instead, it focuses on:
- adrenal and endocrine resilience
- liver and metabolic support
- vitality, coat, and seasonal comfort
This version supports the body around the medication - without interfering with it.
Why this matters
By separating the formulas, we ensure:
- safe, appropriate support at every stage
- clarity for owners and vets
- endocrine balance without unnecessary risk
If you’re unsure which version is right for your horse, please ask.
Composition & Feed Guide
Each herb works in synergy to support healthy pituitary, adrenal, and metabolic function. This functional, adaptogenic formula helps maintain hormonal balance, dopamine activity, and overall vitality.
CushTonic is a nutritional, functional food supplement and not veterinary medicine. For more on this, see Dr Kellon's article - Nutrition is not 'Alternative' Therapy .
- Vitex agnus-castus – Supports natural pituitary rhythm, healthy hormone balance, and stable mood. (CushTonic-1 only)
- Withania somnifera – Adaptogenic root helping to sustain calm energy, emotional steadiness, and adrenal resilience during times of stress.
- Astragalus membranaceus – Strengthens vitality and immune function while helping to sustain natural energy and endocrine balance.
- Mucuna pruriens – Natural source of L-Dopa, supporting dopamine production and pituitary communication for improved vitality and comfort. (CushTonic-1 only)
- Bacopa monnieri – Neuroprotective tonic that supports clarity, calm focus, and balanced neurological signalling across the pituitary–adrenal axis.
- Taraxacum officinale Folia – Mineral-rich tonic that aids gentle detoxification, fluid balance, and healthy liver support.
- Ginkgo biloba – Supports oxygen delivery and circulation, particularly to the brain and pituitary gland, nurturing clarity and focus.
- Galega officinalis – Traditionally recognised for supporting glucose metabolism and healthy pancreatic function, complementing pituitary balance.
- Silybum marianum – Protects and nourishes the liver, aiding detoxification and hormone metabolism.
- Urtica dioica – Rich in trace minerals that restore vitality and endocrine tone, supporting overall metabolic health.
- Smilax ornata – Traditional endocrine and liver tonic that harmonises hormonal pathways and supports detoxification.
Feed Guide
💧Organic Tincture Blend
- Feed 6ml/100kg bodyweight per day, i.e. 30ml for a 500kg horse.
🌿Dried Herb Blend
Human grade, produced to ecological standards and free from agro-chemicals. See our Quality page for Organic Certification Documents.
- Feed 5g/100kg bodyweight per day, i.e. 25g for a 500kg horse.
- 1-level 75ml scoop = 15g
Fussy Eater?
Horses may have their own opinions (and strong tastebuds!), so now and then a new blend might need a little extra encouragement. This doesn’t reflect the quality or efficacy of the product, but rather their natural instinct towards new flavours.
- Check out our Fussy Eaters
page, or send us a message
- we've many helpful tips to make introducing new supplements easier.
Energetic Architecture
Both CushTonic-1 and CushTonic-2 are designed to support:
- Pituitary–adrenal rhythm(PPID axis)
- Dopamine-related signalling(direct or indirect)
- Cortisol moderation(without suppression)
- Liver-based hormone clearance
- Metabolic steadiness and vitality
- Neuro–endocrine resilience in ageing horses
Neither formula treats PPID or replaces Prascend - instead, they nourish the body’s own regulatory systems so your horse can stay comfortable and resilient.
🌿 CushTonic-1
(Non-medicated PPID / natural dopamine support)
~ Functional categories
- Dopamine & pituitary support - Mucuna pruriens & Vitex agnus-castus
- Adaptogenic adrenal buffering -W ithania somnifera & Astragalus membranaceus
- Neuro-endocrine & pituitary clarity - Bacopa monnieri & Ginkgo biloba
- Metabolic & glucose balance - Galega officinalis
- Hormone clearance & liver protection - Milk Thistle, Smilax ornata, Dandelion leaf
- Mineral & vitality restoration - Nettle leaf
~ Functional intent
CushTonic-1 supports early or non-medicated PPID by gently nourishing dopamine tone, stabilising pituitary rhythm, and protecting the body from cortisol excess.
The effect is:
- steadier energy
- smoother coat changes
- calmer endocrine behaviour
- improved vitality without stimulation
🌿 CushTonic-2
(Medicated PPID / Prascend-safe)
Now we remove dopaminergic pressure but keep everything else that supports the system around it.
~ Functional Categories
- Adrenal & endocrine resilience - Withania & Astragalus
- Neuro-endocrine clarity (non-dopaminergic) - Bacopa & Ginkgo
- Metabolic & glucose support - Galega
- Hormone clearance & liver protection - Milk Thistle, Smilax, Dandelion leaf
- Mineral & vitality support -
- Nettle leaf
~ Functional Intent
CushTonic-2 is designed to support the body around Prascend, not compete with it.
It helps:
- reduce residual PPID symptoms
- support liver and metabolic processing of medication
- stabilise energy and vitality
- improve coat and seasonal transitions
Clinical Considerations / Veterinary Reference
CushTonic is a gentle, nutritional blend designed to support healthy endocrine balance. It may be used alongside veterinary care where appropriate.
Advisories
- Allow 3–4 weeks for natural hormonal rhythms to begin adjusting.
- If your horse has PPID + EMS/IR, CushTonic can be paired with MetaTonic; simply feed them at different times of day.
- CushTonic-1 contains Mucuna pruriens (a natural L-Dopa source) and is best fed in the morning to align with natural dopamine cycles.
- CushTonic-2 contains no dopaminergic herbs and is the version intended for horses on Prascend or other dopamine-acting medications.
Contraindications
- Not recommended for pregnant or nursing mares due to hormonally active botanicals.
- Horses on Prascend should only use CushTonic-2 - avoid CushTonic-1 because of its natural L-Dopa content.
- Avoid combining with other dopaminergic herbs or medications unless directed by your vet.
- Use caution if your horse is receiving steroid-modifying drugs; seek veterinary advice if unsure.
Veterinary Reference / Formulary Extract
A concise, vet-friendly reference is available for sharing with your vet.
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